Bealach Nua

Bealach Nua which in Irish means New Way, is the suitably titled name of an innovative service for families/friends of people with mental health difficulties. It has been in operation since 2015 where it was originally funded by Genio and is now currently delivered by a partnership between Mayo Mental Health and Mental Health Ireland. This individualised recovery and person centred support service, provides family members and carers of adults with a mental health difficulty who are attached to the mental health services ongoing emotional support. It also directs families with loved ones with mental health difficulties who are not engaged with the service towards community supports that may help families cope positively with the challenges they face. The service also concentrates on social support meaning it gives family members opportunities to meet up, build an informal network of support and share experiences with each other. It hopes to increase awareness in the mental health services around the challenges families face when a loved one has a mental health difficulty and aims to build resources for family members so they themselves can go on and support others or get involved in organizational change if they so wish. It has two Family Peer Supporters who availed of support and are now employed by the service itself. Bealach Nua has now been extended to the greater Community Health Care West area covering Roscommon and Galway.